All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore has been given a five-week ban for striking Wales lock Bradley Davies with his arm, three of which will be pre-season.

Hore was found guilty of foul play on Wednesday and will not be able to play again until 24 February. He will miss New Zealand’s Test against England this Saturday, three weeks of pre-season and one round of Super Rugby.

The All Blacks have already called up Hika Elliot (who had been touring with the NZ Maori) to provide hooker cover.

Judicial officer Lorne Crerar of Scotland revealed that Hore’s eight-week ban had been reduced to five as the player had shown remorse and been in contact with Davies daily since the incident.